Staff

Peter is native son of Bergen County returning from a 17 year hiatus in the Pacific Northwest. He has a B.S in Plant Science (Rutgers U.), a M.S. in Public Horticulture Administration as well as certificates in Nature Center Administration and Museum Studies (U. of Delaware). Peter comes with administrative and supervisory experience in nonprofits and government agencies. He has been a director of a public garden, Lead Professor of a college horticulture program as well as a horticulturist/naturalist at the McFaul Environmental Center (Wyckoff, NJ). Peter loves being in the woods and is honored to be a part of the stewardship of Tenafly's "Green Island".

Since 2003, Debora has dedicated herself to building the education programs at TNC. She also serves on board of trustees for the Alliance of NJ Environmental Educators and helps lead the Nature Program Cooperative in Bergen County. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Debora graduated with a degree in Environmental studies from the University of Oregon. Debora has also worked with the Queens College's Center for Environmental Teaching and Research, and the NJ Audubon Society. “I feel that the most important thing I can do to make a positive impact to the natural world is to help people make meaningful connections between people and their local environment.”

Alex is a 2016 addition to the Nature Center staff, and is excited to share his love of the woods with others. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Drew University and just recently adventured across country to hike the national parks.

Kathleen joined the Nature Center staff in 2012 and is thrilled to be working outdoors with kids! Previously, she spent six years working as a middle school science teacher in Newark where she emphasized environmental connections through the curriculum. Kathleen graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors of Science in Ecology and Natural Resource Management and after completing a Masters in Biology from Montclair State University, she is currently obtaining her Ph.D. in Biology from Rutgers-Newark. Her previous research included the breeding population decline of American Kestrels (New Jersey), the mating behaviors of wild horses (Outer Banks), and nest depredation of the Band-tailed Pigeon (Arizona). In what spare time she has, Kathleen enjoys hiking, camping, dancing, and of course, birding.

Jillian is a new staff member to the Tenafly Nature Center. She is currently finishing her Bachelor's in Environmental Studies and Management at Fordham University. Jill has worked in a classroom setting before and volunteered at several environmental centers in New York and New Jersey. She has a passion for learning and educating.

In her free time, she can be found exploring new hiking trails, exercising, or gardening.

Elizabeth brings an eclectic and diverse background to her role as an Environmental Educator. Passionate about both nature and teaching, she brings her experience as a former nature center manager, yoga teacher, pet trainer, and occasional wildlife rescuer to her new role.

She holds a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies and an RYT certificate in yoga instruction, and recently completed an independent study of NJ Forestry. She has published one novel, and spends her spare time tracking in the woods, adventuring around the state, and writing.

Joining the Nature Center staff in 2011 Chris combines her extensive background in wildlife, science, and education with a sense of fun to provide vibrant programs for children of all ages. Chris earned a Master's degree in Wildlife Management from Rutgers University and a Bachelor's in Biology from Mary Baldwin College. She is a former consultant for the NJ Audubon Society and has worked with the NJ Bald Eagle Project, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Engaged in her community, she is a substitute teacher for Wyckoff Public Schools, active in her PTO, and has been a Cub Scout Leader and Girl Scout Volunteer. Chris enjoys hiking and traveling with her family in her spare time.

With her passion for the outdoors and sustainable tourism she has quite the wanderlust spirit. She's lived and worked abroad. Her greatest memory is working in the Ecuadorian Amazon supporting sustainable tourism with local indigenous tribes. She also obtained her master's in sustainability at the University of Sydney. One of her biggest passions is to introduce more green projects in urban areas, believing that education and a connection to nature is key for the future. In her free time she does guest speaking appearances and meditation workshops.

Jen joined the Nature Center Staff in 2016 and is excited to share her passion of the outdoors with others! She has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Delaware and studied abroad to Tanzania and Costa Rica focusing on the wildlife and bird biodiversity. Previously, she interned at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida as an Environmental Educator.

She loves nature photography, birding, snorkeling, and hopes to travel the world!

Asai MasChang joined the center's team in 2017. A recent graduate majoring in Environmental Studies from Stockton University, she is absolutely dedicated to creating a better world for current and future generations through education, conservation and preservation. Asai has spent her last two summers working as an environmental educator at a marine science camp in South Carolina and at an environmental center in rural Pennsylvania.

She was a member of The Girl Scouts of America until her senior year of highschool, is a beekeeper and a PADI certified recreational diver.

In what free time she has, you can catch her hiking, hammocking, gardening, traveling or spending time with her family.

Carolyn joined the team in 2017. She has recently returned from doing an internship with Big Cats, Bears, and primates. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Rutgers University. Carolyn has experience with wildlife rehabilitation and husbandry. She has a passion for training, she feels it is an amazing way to bond with animals. Carolyn has worked in animal education for over 2 years.

Her hobbies include hiking, reading, camping, and cuddling with her dog Roscoe.

Carolyn is excited to begin this new chapter at the Nature Center. She can’t wait to help others learn about the amazing things nature has to offer.

Minnesota native, Anna, is a new member of the Tenafly team. Her passion and enthusiasm of nature led her to study biological and environmental sciences at the University of Minnesota. During her time in University she also worked two years in a administrative role creating the Park Naturalist Program in Red Wing, Minnesota. She is thrilled to share her passion and knowledge with others.